For decades the job of the caddie was straightforward: carry the clubs, replace the divots, rake the sand, and clean the clubs. Give advice when asked, and keep your mouth shut otherwise. Part servant, part butler, he (and yes, it was always a “he”) was there to bolster the player and make life just a bit easier.
These days, this is not necessarily the case. Pro caddies are often very close members of the golfer’s inner circle, just as likely to be a coach or a mentor to the golfer as anything else. They will read the terrain, and often read the golfer’s state of mind, before offering all of the above services as well.
Professional golfers will often select a caddie from a close group of friends, possibly even a family member or coach that they have known for a while. And like any other part of the tour, professional caddies will be looking for a new employer after having been around for a while with other golfers.
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Caddies earnings
The big question that everyone always asks is how much do caddies make? It was traditionally assumed that it was ten percent of their player’s winnings, although that isn’t always the case anymore.
A caddie will negotiate a contract with their player and while the details will vary, the industry standard is that the caddie will be paid a weekly stipend of between $1500 and $3000 per week. On top of this the normal percentage of winnings is around five percent for anything outside the top ten, and from six to eight percent for spots two through ten. The winners will then give up to ten percent to their caddie.
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Sponsors
Each contract is individual and some players will pay travel and hotel costs for their caddies as well. But for the caddie who will likely be in the television camera’s view, there is another piece of the pie that they can claim. Sponsors are very happy to contract a caddie to wear a hat or a logo on their shirt, and though not at the level that a player would command, this can be a nice little side crust for the caddie.
With a job that can be fairly lucrative, there is no real education or experience necessary for become a PGA Tour caddie. As long as you have a good reputation as a knowledgeable caddie, you will find that you can build relationships and a career.
At the top of the game are caddies like Jimmy Johnson and Jonathan Jakovac, who both earned in excess of $500k last year. But the real top of the heap is Steve Williams, longtime caddie to Tiger Woods, who has pocketed more than $12 million on the back of Tiger’s winnings.
As an enthusiast with an extensive background in golf and the dynamics of professional caddying, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between golfers and their caddies.
The role of the caddie has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from merely carrying clubs and performing course maintenance duties to becoming integral members of a golfer's inner circle. Today, caddies often serve not only as assistants but also as coaches and mentors, providing strategic advice, reading both the course and the golfer's mindset, and offering crucial support during tournaments.
In the article, several key concepts related to professional caddying and the golf industry are highlighted:
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Evolution of the Caddie Role: Historically, caddies were perceived as servants, primarily carrying out physical tasks and offering advice only when solicited. However, the modern caddie has evolved into a more strategic and supportive role, closely involved in the golfer's decision-making process.
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Caddie Selection: Professional golfers often choose caddies from their inner circle, including friends, family members, or coaches with whom they share a close bond. This selection process emphasizes the importance of trust and familiarity between the golfer and their caddie.
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Caddie Earnings: The traditional method of caddies earning ten percent of a player's winnings has shifted. Instead, caddies now negotiate contracts that commonly include a weekly stipend ranging between $1500 to $3000, along with a percentage of winnings, typically around five to ten percent based on the player's performance.
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Sponsorships: Caddies also have opportunities to earn additional income through sponsorships. While not as lucrative as player sponsorships, caddies can negotiate deals to wear logos or promote brands during tournaments, adding to their overall income.
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Career in Caddying: Unlike formal educational requirements, a successful career as a PGA Tour caddie is often built on a foundation of experience, a good reputation, and knowledge of the game. Relationships and networking play significant roles in establishing oneself in this field.
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Earnings of Top Caddies: Exceptional caddies, such as Jimmy Johnson, Jonathan Jakovac, and notably Steve Williams (Tiger Woods' longtime caddie), have achieved substantial earnings, with some surpassing the $500,000 mark and even reaching millions of dollars through a share of their golfer's winnings.
This detailed understanding showcases the shift in the caddie's role, the evolving compensation structure, the potential for additional income through sponsorships, and the pathways to success within the competitive world of professional caddying.
